Self-propelled harpoon gun



April 23, 1957 J. H. MCDONALD 2,789,455

' SELF-PROPELLED HARPOON GUN Filed Jan. 14, 1954 s Sheets-Sheet 1 James H. McDonald IN VEIY TOR April 23, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 O u 1- V n M 0 A k 3. m m v James h. McDonald BY a...

Filed Jan. 14, 1954 United States Patent Ofi ice 2,789,465 Patented Apr. 23, 1957 SELF-PROPELLED HARPOON GUN James H. McDonald, Toms Brook, Va., assignor of fifty percent to Otis S. McDonald, Norfolk, Va.

Application January 14, 1954, Serial No. 404,043 4 Claims. (Cl. 89-1) This invention relates in general to guns, and more specifically to guns intended primarily for underwater use.

A primary object of this invention is to provide an improved gun intended primarily for underwater use, the gun being in the form of a self propelled harpoon un. g Another object of this invention is to provide an improved harpoo-n gun which is intended to receive a missile having an elongated tubular body portion with a cartridge which is disposed at the forward end thereof to effect a jet-like action.

Another object of this invention is to provide an 1111- proved underwater missile which includes a water piercing nose and an elongated tubular body member, the missile being intended to receive conventional cartridges to produce a jet-like effect and being reusable.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved line holding attachment for underwater guns, the line holding attachment being of such a nature whereby it may be quickly and easily placed on a gun and removed therefrom.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved gun having novel means for retaining a line support thereon, the line support being retained in place by a releasable catch mechanism.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part heretof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the harpoon gun which is the subject of this invention and shows the same having mounted thereon a line intended to have one end attached to a missile;

Figure 2 is an elevational exploded view of one form of missile intended to be utilized in combination with the gun of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the gun of Figure 1 and shows the general relationship of the line with respect to the barrel of the gun;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a line support intended for use with the gun of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the housing portion of the gun of Figure 1 and shows the general details of means for retaining a missile in firing position and the firing mechanism of the gun;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the gun of Figure l and is a continuation of Figure 5, the particular relationship between the firing pin and a firing pin support being clearly illustrated;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view similar to Figure 5 and shows the gun in a cocked position with a missile loaded therein ready for firing;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing the general construction of the forward part of the gun in Figure 1 and is a partial continuation of Figure 7, the particular relationship between the line support and the gun being clearly illustrated;

Figure 9 is an enlarged elevational view of the assembled missile of Figure 2, portions of the body member being broken away and adjacent portions of the body member and nose being broken away and shown in section to clearly illustrated the manner in which they are removably connected together;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken through the connection between the nose and the body member of the missile of Figure 9 and shows the manner in which a cartridge is positioned therein;

Figure 11 is an enlarged side elevational view of a modified form of nose; and

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of still another modified form of nose.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated in Figures 2, 9, 10, 11 and 12, various forms of missiles, a preferred form of which is illustrated in Figures 2, 9, and 10. The missile of Figures 2, 9 and 10 is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10 and includes an elongated nose 12 which is provided at its forward end with a spear portion 14. The nose 12 has a reduced rear end portion 16 which is externally threaded as at 18. The nose 12 is reniovably secured to an elongated tubular body member 20. The body member 20 is internally threaded as at 22 at its forward end.

As is best illustrated in Figure 10, the relationship between the t-ubular body member 20 and the nose 12 is that the nose 12 has the rear portion thereof projecting into the forward end of the tubular body member 20. The nose 12 is provided with a rearwardly opening recess 24 which has received therein a cartridge 26. The recess 24 is of such a size so as to provide a rearwardly facing annular shoulder 28. The rim 30 of the cartridge 26 engages against the rim 28 and facilitates the positioning of the cartridge 26.

Referring now to Figure 11 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a modified form of nose 32. The nose 32 is provided with a reduced threaded rear portion 34 which is intended to be received in the forward end of the tubular body member 20 or a similar one. The forward end of the nose 32 is provided with a plurality of rearwardly projecting barbs 36 and terminates at its forward end in a point 38. The nose 32 is provided with an eye 40 for the reception of a line. The nose 12 is provided with an eye 42 as is best illustrated in Figure 2.

Referring now to Figure 12 in particular, it will be seen that there is illustrated a still further modified form of nose which is referred to by the reference numeral 44. The nose 44 is provided with a reduced threaded rear end portion 46 which is intended to be removably received in the forward end of one of the tubular body members 20. The nose 44 terminates in a pointed forward end 48. While the nose 44 has not been illustrated as being provided with an eye for receiving a line, if so desired, it may be provided with an eye similar to the eyes 40 and 42.

Referring now to Figures 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, it will be seen that there is illustrated the harpoon gun which is the subject of this invention, the harpoon gun being referred to in general by the reference numeral 50. The harpoon gun 50 includes a housing 52 which has removably secured to the rear portion thereof a stock 53. Carried by the forward upper portion of the housing 52 is an elongated barrel 54. The barrel 54 terminates in a flared forward end 56 which facilitates the insertion of a missile, such as the missile 10.

Carried by the housing 52 and projecting forwardly through the barrel 54- in cantilever concentric relation is an elongated,- tubular firing pin support 58. The firing pin support 58 has supported therein for longitudinal sliding movement an elongated firing pin 60. Thefiring pin 60 is spring urged rearwardly by a spring 62 retained in the rear portion of the firing pin support hammer 70. The hammer 70 is retained in a cocked position by-a sear 72 whch is formed integral with a trigger 74. The trigger 74 is pivotally mounted on a transverse pivot pin 76 and is urged into a hammer retaining position by a sear forwardly by a spring 80.

The hammer 70 is provided with a thumb engaging portion 82 to facilitate movement thereof'to a cocked position. The hammer 70 is retained in a cocked position by engagement of the sear portion 72 with a cylinder 84 on the hammer 70.

The hammer 70 is urged to a firing position by a coil spring 86 which has its forward end secured to the housing 52 as at 88. The rear end of the coil spring 86 is connected to a link 90 which is in turn pivotally connected to the hammer 70 by a pivot pin 92. It will be seen that when the sear 72 is moved out of engagement with the shoulder 84, the hammer 70 will be spring urged forwardly to strike the rear end portion 64 of the firirrgv pin 60 and urge the same forward to a firing position.

" In order to prevent accidental firing of the gun 50,

there is provided a trigger guard 93. The trigger guard 93 is secured to the housing 52 by fasteners 95 and is disposed about the trigger 74.

In order that the harpoon gun 50 may be conveniently aimed, there is provided a forward sight 94 which cooperates with the rear sight 96. The rear sight 9.6 is carried by a spring arm 98 which is rigidly secured to the barrel 54 as at 100. Slidably carried by the barrel 54 is a rear sight adjusting element 102. Inasmuch as the sight is of a conventional structure, the details thereof will not be set forth at a greater length.

In the operation of theharpoon gun 50, the hammer 70 thereof is moved to the cocked position of Figure 7. The firing pin 60 is then ready to be urged to its rearward position illustrated in Figure 7. Next the tubular body member 20 of the missile is slid inside the barrel 54 with the support pin 58 and firing pin 69 being received within the tubular body member 20. The tubular body member is provided adjacent its rear end with an annular groove 104 which when the missile 10 is properly positioned is engaged by a locking pin 106. The locking pin 106 is carried by a pivotally mounted mm 108 mounted on a pivot pin 110 in the housing 52 below the barrel 54. The locking pin 106 is urged upwardly through an opening 112 in the barrel 54 through a spring 114.

It will be understood that the locking pin 106 retains the missile 10 against forward movement suficiently to permit the firing pin 60 to strike the cartridge 26 with sufficient force to effect firing thereof when the trigger 74 is pulled. At that time gasses will move rearwardlythrough the tubular body member 20 and cause forward movement of the missile 10. Inasmuch as the locking pin 106 is rounded :and is spring urged into position, immediately upon the firing of the cartridge 26' the missile 10 will. move forwardly with sufiicient force to disengage the locking pin 106 from the locking groove 1 04. It will be understood thatthe cartridge 26' is of a sufiicientsize so as to produce sufficient 'gasseswhich pin 78 which isspring urged exit out of the rear of the tubular body member 20 to effect a jet. actionv and. cause forward movement of the missile 10 at the desired rate of speed.

Referring now to Figures 1, 3, 4 and 8, it will be seen that the h-arpoon gun 10 is provided with a line supporting attachment which is referred to in general by the reference numeral 116. The line supporting attachment 116 includes an elongatedibody member 118 which is generally rectangular in cross section. The body member 118 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced, oppositely open yokes 120. The yokes 120 are of a size to slidably receive the'bow 54. of the harpoon gun 50. The body member 118, is provided adjacent its rear end with a downwardly open notch 122 whose purpose is to be set forth in more detail hereinafter. Further, the body member 118 is provided with an elongated, centrally located horizontally disposed notch 124 which opens through'the forward end thereof.

Referring, now to Figure 8 in particular, it will be seen that the forward end of the housing 52 is provided with a rectangular cross sectional forwardly opening recess 126. Pivotally mounted on a pivot pin 128 within the'recess 126 is a catch member 130 which is provided with a forward catch portion 132. It will be seen that the forward catch portion 132 is engageable with a shoulder formed by the notch 122 to retain the body member. 118 from forward movement out of the recess 126.'

In order that the catch member 130 may be retained in an operative position, there is provided a spring member 134 which is rigidly secured to the housing 52. The spring 134 urges the forward end of the catch member 130 upwardly.

Carried by the rear portion of the catch member 130 is a downwardly projecting releasing pin 136. The releasing pin 136 passesdownwardly through the housing 52 through an opening 138 therein. It will be seen that the catch member 130 may be moved to an inoperative position by upwardly urging the release pin 136.

In order that the body member 118 may be retained in engagement with the catch member 130 and also to permit automatic ejection of the body member 118, there is provided in the housing 52 an elongated plunger 140. The plunger 140 is provided with an enlarged forward end 142 which engages the rear end of the body member 118. The plunger 140 is spring urged forwardly by a coil spring 144.

The line supporting attachment 116 also includes a. coil of line 146. The coil of line 146 is formed by coiling the line in a normal manner and then crossing the coil to form figure eights. The bight portion of the coil of line 146 is then passed into fihe notch 124. A rear free end of the coil 146 may then be rigidly secured to the body member 118 in any desired manner. The forward free end 148 of the coil line 146 is securely tied to one of the missiles 10.

It is to be understood that the line 146 is intended to be utilized for both preventing the loss of the missiles 10 and also for pulling in game, such as fish, which may have been struck by the missiles 10. If it is desired to temporarily abandon the line 146 and its associated missile 10, it is merely necessary to eject the body member 118 from within the housing 52. The body member 118 is then slid 01f the forward end of the barrel 54 and inasmuch as it is preferably formed of a fioatable Irrate rial, it will float to the surface so that the line and missile may be retrieved at a later time.

If so'desired; that portion of the housing 52 carrying the catch member 130 may be inthe form of 1a removable adapter 150 which'is secured to the main portion of the housing52 by fasteners 152. The adapter 150 need be utilized only when it is intended to utilize the line supporting'adapter 116. On the other hand, if so desiredfthe' adapter 150 could'be 'made integral with a novel line supporting attachment.

In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been illustrated and described a novel harpoon gun which utilizes a novel missile and which is provided with It is pointed out that the three portions of the gun mechanism cooperate with each other to form a highly desirable practical underwater weapon.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A gun for firing elongated underwater missiles having tubular body members, said gun comprising an elongated barrel, an elongated firing pin support disposed in said barrel in cantilever concentric relation, a firing pin slidably carried within said firing pin support, said firing pin support being adapted to be received in a tubular body member of a missile, a locking pin projecting through said barrel adjacent a rear end thereof for engaging :and retaining a missile in firing position, a trigger and hammer mechanism for said firing pin.

2. A gun for firing elongated underwater missiles having tubular body members, said gun comprising an elongated barrel, :an elongated firing pin support disposed in said barrel in cantilever concentric relation, a firing pin slidably carried within said firing pin support, said firing pin support being adapted to be received in a tubular body member of a missile, a locking pin projecting through said barrel adjacent a rear end thereof for engaging and retaining a missile in firing position, a trigger and hammer mechanism for said firing pin, said firing pin being spring urged rearwardly, said firing pin having an enlarged forward end projecting forwardly from said firing pin support and restraining said firing pin against rearward movement.

3. A gun for firing elongated underwater missiles having tubular body members, said gun comprising an elongated barrel, an elongated firing pin support disposed in said barrel in cantilever concentric relation, a firing pin slidably carried Within said firing pin support, said firing pin support being adapted to be received in a tubular body member of a missile, a locking pin projecting through said barrel adjacent a rear end thereof for engaging and retaining a missile in firing position, a trigger and hammer mechanism for said firing pin, said locking pin being retractible and being spring urged into a missile locking position.

4. A gun for firing elongated underwater missiles having tubular body members, said gun comprising an elongated barrel, an elongated firing pin support disposed in said barrel in cantilever concentric relation, a firing pin slidably carried within said firing pin support, said firing pin support being adapted to be received in a tubular body member of a missile, a locking pin projecting through said barrel adjacent a rear end thereof for engaging and retaining a missile in firing position, a trigger and hammer mechanism for said firing pin, and means for removably supporting a line support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 331,792 Ingersoll Dec. 8, 1885 348,848 Ingersoll Sept. 7, 1886 669,091 Martens Mar. 5, 1901 1,721,704 Madaschi July 23, 1929 1,825,203 Reibel Sept. 29, 1931. 2,069,276 Ryan Sept. 2, 1937 2,388,749 La Pierre Nov. 13, 1945 2,423,533 Turner July 8, 1947 2,708,860 Arpin May 24, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 12,457 Norway Dec. 7, 1903 21,277 France May 4, 1920 301,356 Germany Aug. 18, 1920 308,475 Germany Sept. 21, 1920 421,578 Great Britain Dec. 20, 1934 

